I believe liberal is a more general term referring to being left-wing which I am; proud of it and don't give a damn who knows it or what they think about it.
Progressive is more specific I believe. In all the labels perhaps progressive is one that has managed to retain much of it's original meaning and why I call myself progressive.
wikipedia says:
The term progressive was first widely used in late 19th century America, in reference to a general branch of political thought which arose as a response to the vast changes brought by industrialization, and as an alternative to the traditional conservative response to social and economic issues. Political parties such as the American Progressive Party organized at the start of the 20th century, and progressivism made great strides under American presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.<1>
There are at least three distinct meanings of the word "progressive", as it is used today. Ordered from the most vague to the most specific, they are as follows:
1. In the broadest sense, the label "progressive" may be used in self-description of anyone who advocates any kind of change in a society, or in any part of the political spectrum.
2. In a somewhat more restricted sense, "progressive" is a term used within left-wing politics to distinguish those who advocate moderate or gradual social change - often called either "progressives" or "reformists" - from those who advocate larger and more rapid changes - called "revolutionaries" or "radicals".
3. Finally, in the most specific sense, there is the continuation of the political movement/ideology that began in the late 19th century. Progressives support the continual advancement of workers' rights and social justice. The first progressives were some of the earliest proponents of anti-trust laws and the regulation of large corporations and monopolies. They were also among the first advocates of government-funded environmentalism, and the creation of National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. It is this meaning of progressivism that will be covered more extensively in the rest of the article below.
The progressive movement saved this nation from the great depression and returned hope and a way out of poverty for millions of Americans through the "new deal". I call myself progressive because over much of the last quarter century the promise that America stood for to her people has been drained away by the top 1% of the population; our environment and public lands have been exploited by the ultra rich in complicity with our own government. So many conditions are very similar to what Roosevelt faced when he took office; that time has come again. Time for another Progressive Movement to sweep this nation and restore a democracy once more...
I'm a progressive
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